The Book of Psalms
Psalm 30
Psalm XXX · Vol. II, p. 1003
1 David praiseth God for his deliverance. 4 He exhorteth others to praise him by the example of God's dealing with him.
A psalm and song at the adedication of the house of David.
1 I willb extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.1
B.C. cir. 1046 or 1020.
a De.20.5. 2 Sa.5.11, or 20.3.
b Ps.34.1-7; 75.1,2; 116.1-7; 27.6; 25.2; 41.11; 28.9.
1 'The psalmist passes now from the almost despairing elegy to the joyful thanksgiving. In the calm after the storm he sees in quiet retrospect the working of God's ways in all that before had been perplexing to his faith, and in his gratitude he feels his heart warmed towards others who are still in suffering, and pours forth his experience as a lesson of trust to them, and an indication of God's mode of dealing with mankind.'—P.
3 Od LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave;2 thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
d Ps.18.16-18; 40.1,2; 71.20; 86.13. Is.38.17. Jonah 2.4,6.
2 Who is this? Let the inquirer compare Ps.16.10 with Ac.2.27, and then read this verse, and the question is answered. Christ alone could say, 'Thou hast brought up my soul from the grave.'—C.
5 Forg his anger endureth but a moment;4 in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night,5 but joy6 cometh in the morning.
6 Andh in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.
h Job 29.18-20. Lu.12.19.
7 LORD,i by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong:7 thou jdidst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
9 Whatl profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
Notes
Ver. 5. It was early in the morning 'as it began to dawn,' that the resurrection of Jesus was discovered, Mat. 28. 1; and then did the late weepers of the night run 'with fear and great joy,' Mat. 28. 8, to communicate the blessed news. C.
Ver. 7. Didst hide thy face, &c. Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, realized this sad description: 'Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say?' See also Mat. 26. 38. And hear of the hidings of his Father's face, when he exclaims, 'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' Mat. 27. 46. C.
Ver. 9. The meaning of this verse is:—'What advantage would it be to God's kingdom on earth if I should die? Could my lifeless body—my mouldering remains—advance his cause? Could the dust of the tomb declare the truth of God to mankind?' It is in this bold form that the psalmist pleads with his God. P.
Reflections.—To what plagues and sickness the best of saints are by sin obnoxious in this world! But the prayer of faith is always availing under every trouble. And there is great ground of praise and thanksgiving in every deliverance which comes through Jesus Christ. How delightful to saints is God's infinite and sanctifying holiness! His favours are greatly beneficial: and short-lived, but preciously fruitful, are his frowns and his people's griefs. Fellowship with him on earth, and chiefly in heaven, turns their mourning into joys unspeakable and full of glory. Outward prosperity, or even ravishing frames of spiritual joy, quickly occasion security and pride; and become means of casting us down into the depths of desertion and trouble. There is great need then to be always humble and watchful amidst smiles of Providence, and to believe and pray amidst depths of distress. And it is not our own advantages, but the services we can render to God on earth, that should make us desire to live! Quickly God changes the lot and frame of his people, and fills their lips with his praise. And it is delightful when high songs of redeeming love are remarkably begun on earth.